Why Sailors Can't Swim and Other Marvellous Maritime Curiosities
We review the Icom IC-M35 handheld. Read the full review
Reeds Nautical Almanac is the indispensable trusted annual compendium of navigational data for yachtsmen and motorboaters, and provides all the information required to navigate Atlantic coastal waters around the whole of the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands and the entire European coastline from the tip of Denmark right down to Gibraltar, Northern Morocco and the Azores. Buy your copy 
The SafaSail Hard Hat looks just like a sailing cap, but will help protect you if you get a bang to the head. Â See our Editorial
Think again about Salvage
- Created on Thursday, 11 October 2012 00:29
- Written by Richard Thomas
- Hits: 8351
Being British, we tend to think that claiming salvage is rather unsporting. A bit like asking a potential girlfriend to pay for her share of dinner on the first date. But those of us who are boat owners, or who have charge of other people's yachts, need to be constantly aware that a claim for salvage is a real possibility; a possibility that grows ever more realistic in this age of swift litigation. And Todd Tholke's action in suing the French America's Cup team for salvage of around $200,000.00 after 'rescuing' The Energy Team in San Francisco (see our story here) should give us further cause for thought.
I had a very similar dilemma skippering a recent yacht delivery. We were sailing from Greece to Italy via the Corinth Canal, and the owner and I had calculated that, on leaving the Canal, we had enough fuel in the tank to get us safely to Kefalonia without having to use what was in the spare fuel can, so that we could re-fuel there before crossing the Ionian. And we were, after all, a sailing yacht. However, the first mate, being a practical sort, had decided that he didn't fancy trying to re-fuel from a can in choppy weather, and emptied all our spare fuel into the tank, declaring that it was better off there than in the tin! What he hadn't thought about was what might happen if we had a fuel leak (which we did, later in the voyage) and were stuck without spare fuel on a lee shore. Calling for a spare can of fuel in that kind of situation would constitute grounds for a claim of salvage. And the yacht was worth rather more than the cost of a can of fuel! We returned to Piraeus to re-fuel, much to the grump of all concerned. But I'd rather be safe than sorry, especially when responsible for someone else's yacht.
Trinity House shines welcome light on the Future
- Created on Wednesday, 06 June 2012 06:39
- Written by Richard Thomas
- Hits: 674
Three very important documents for leisure yachtsmen have almost slipped un-noticed into publication. The General Lighthouse Authorities (GLA) plans for the future of Aids to Navigation (Buoys, Lights and other marks), its Joint Navigation Requirements and its Radio Navigation Policy set out the framework for the future.
The sheer professionalism of Trinity House and its companion organisations, Northern Lighthouse Board and Irish Lights shines through every aspect of these plans. Like the Royal Jubilee celebrations, but without the razzamatazz, they make you proud to be British.
They are highly encouraging documents. In the Introduction to Aids to Navigation, the GLAs state:
"The growth in marine leisure activities, the proliferation of high-speed and larger craft and changes in traffic patterns each place new demands on Aids to Navigation (AtoN) service providers. It is recognised that the widespread reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) as the primary means of position fixing has encouraged some mariners to navigate in areas where, and under conditions in which, they had not previously ventured - for example, close inshore, at night and in reduced visibility. More generally, the recognized vulnerabilities of GNSS to interference must be taken into consideration when determining future AtoN provision."
Four Cheers for the Canal & River Trust
- Created on Wednesday, 01 February 2012 02:43
- Written by Richard Thomas
- Hits: 196
EDITORIAL
There's a kind of myth that has developed amongst sailors that it's really only the Salty Stuff that floats proper sailing yachts. So we are delighted today to report on the £1 billion funding announcement made by MP Richard Benyon for the new Canal and River Trust.
The Inland Waterways of Britain are hugely important, not only as a leisure resource, but as part of our national heritage. Our canal system provides rest and relaxation for thousands, and a long-term home for many. Our rivers, including the Thames, are part of the lungs of the nation. And anyone who has 'ditch-crawled' on the Norfolk Broads will tell you how serene and beautiful that experience is.
It is not often that we praise a member of parliament – the common media perception is of grubby self-seeking. But the Benyon family has a track record, both in parliament and outside it, of wise and generous support for the good of the nation, and Richard deserves our thanks and our recognition for steering this new body into being.
Red Diesel Nonsense
- Created on Thursday, 01 March 2012 10:04
- Written by Richard Thomas
- Hits: 759
We agree wholeheartedly with the editorial that appeared in Scuttlebutt, and we are pleased to run it as a Guest editorial.
From the RYA web site we read "The Ministerial statement indicated that, from 1 April 2012, the use of marked 'red' diesel to propel private pleasure craft will be allowed only within UK territorial waters.
Okay but what if we want to go to France, Belgium, the Netherlands or further afield?
As a direct result of the parochial and, some would say jealous reaction by Belgium to the UK's red diesel policy, our HMRC is in process of revising the rules for its use. As from 1st April 2012, i.e. 30 days from now, when buying red diesel we shall be asked to sign a document stating it will not be used outside of UK territorial waters. I guess this means if we are caught in France or Belgium with red diesel then the UK government will prosecute us as well.
Our unforgiving society
- Created on Saturday, 07 January 2012 04:42
- Written by Richard Thomas
- Hits: 585
The most recent research into last year's riots has shown that alienation – 'disrespect by the Police' was the term used most often – was one of the most significant factors in the attitude that lay behind the rioting.
Why am I not surprised? England (I can't speak for Wales or Scotland) has increasingly become a society of exclusion; a harsh and even brutal society where growing numbers of people feel they do not belong.
With the intention of preventing wrong doing, we continue to introduce laws, rules and regulations that marginalise and exclude an ever-growing number of people, apparently without any understanding of the damage we're causing. Our cultural attitude, increasingly fed by a fundamentalist media, has become one of suspicion, blame and alienation.
And the reason?
As a society, we have learned how to blame, but have forgotten how to forgive.
Forgiveness is a Christian virtue, but its effects go far beyond mere religion. To forgive is not to excuse. It is to recognise the essential goodness of people despite their weakness and failings, and to deal with their failings in a way that releases goodness and encourages healing and integration, rather than creating exclusion, bitterness and hatred. It is about giving people a new start – about wiping the slate clean, rather than throwing it, shattered, onto the rubbish heap. And it works.
